EXECUTIVE TRACI BLACKWELL PROMOTED TO VICE PRESIDENT, CURRENT PROGRAMMING AT THE CW

Blackwell Tapped To Oversee New Dramas Vampire Diaries and Life Unexpected, Continues Work on Hit Series 90210

The CW network’s Traci Blackwell has been promoted to Vice President of Current Programming. Blackwell is responsible for day-to-day production of some of the network’s top primetime shows, including 90210, One Tree Hilland the upcoming Vampire Diaries.Photo credit: Malcolm Ali

The University of Southern California African American Cinema Society hosted an on-campus panel discussion about writing and directing for television, featuring several of the most successful African American producers, directors and executives working in the industry today. Pictured left to right: Codie Brooks, USCAACS; Seith Mann, director (Heroes, Entourage, Grey’s Anatomy); Mara Brock Akil, executive producer (The Game, Girlfriends); Salim Akil, writer/director/executive producer (Soul Food, The Game); and Traci Blackwell, VP, Current Programming, The CW (90210, One Tree Hill, Vampire Diaries).Photo Credit: Courtesy of FrontPage Communications

Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) – Television executive Traci Lynn Blackwell has been promoted to Vice President of Current Programs at The CW network. Blackwell’s appointment comes on the heels of her success overseeing some of The CW’s highest-rated shows, including breakout hit drama 90210, One Tree Hill and Supernatural. The network recently announced a new slate of shows including the highly-anticipated dramasVampire Diaries and Life Unexpected, which Traci will also add to her roster of popular primetime shows.

In her new role, Blackwell continues to act as the network liaison overseeing day-to-day production for scripted programs 90210, One Tree Hill, Supernatural, Vampire Diaries and Life Unexpected, reporting to Executive Vice President Michael Roberts. She is responsible for identifying writers, directors and significant creative personnel, as well as managing creative on stories, scripts and cuts, among other duties.

Blackwell’s 10-year track record of success at the network also includes shepherding comedies Everybody Hates Chris and The Game; award-winning series Girlfriends, which ended its run after 8 seasons; Eve, starring the Grammy Award-winning hip-hop sensation; and Half and Half, which now appear in syndication.

Traci cultivated her expertise in network TV programming working for UPN. During her stint there, Blackwell worked on the production of several sitcoms, such as The Parkers and Moesha. Traci began her career at UPN as assistant to then-President of Entertainment Tom Nunan, who served as a mentor and encouraged her aspiration to become a current programming executive.

Prior to UPN, Blackwell worked as an assistant to director/producer and former BET President of Programming Reginald Hudlin. She assisted him on projects including “The Great White Hype” and “Cosmic Slop.”

Traci is a native of Silver Spring, Maryland and earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA.